All Demons in Dungeons & Dragons 5e (& How to Use Them)

Are you thinking of using demons in your next Dungeons & Dragons adventure, but worried you don’t know enough about them? We’ve got you covered. A demonic presence can definitely add stakes to your campaign, and in this guide, we’ll introduce you not only to the different types of demons in D&D 5e, but also their terrifying demon lords! Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to demons in D&D, and how to use them in a campaign.

Dungeons & Dragons: Demon Overview

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A compilation of demon species in D&D 5e.

Demons are creatures of chaos and evil that inhabit the infinite layers of the Abyss. There are 6 subtypes: Tanar’ri, Obyrith, Loumara, Beast, the Created, and Servitors. And while demons are too chaotic for an intricate hierarchy, demon lords (like Demogorgon, Orcus, and Baphomet) are the most powerful of all.

Section 1 of 9:

What are demons in D&D 5e?

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Demons are Abyssal creatures of evil and chaos. They’re a type of Fiend (an evil planar being, alongside devils and yugoloths) that resides in and rules the Abyss. Demons are essentially “chaotic evil” personified; they represent savagery, destruction, and rage. They typically have a monstrous, grotesque appearance, and their moral alignment is chaotic evil.^{[1]
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- The Abyss is a realm that embodies entropy and ruin, connected to the rest of the multiverse; it’s considered part of the Outer Planes (which is why demons are considered planar beings).
- The Abyss is sometimes called “The Infinite Abyss”; it may have 666 layers, or it may have an infinite number of layers and planes.
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There are 6 distinct subcategories of demon. The Obyrith were the first demons to exist, but the Tanar’ri are the most numerous and powerful—having been created by the Obyrith long ago. All demons try to tempt mortals toward evil and torment their souls in the Abyss, each in their own way, and demonkind has been at war with the devils of the Nine Hells for time immemorial—yet they’re also known to fight one another. The 6 subtypes of demon are:
- Obyrith - The original demons; nightmarish and alien-looking eldritch beings from another reality that traveled to the Abyss and claimed it for their own. Obyriths are so ancient that they even predate the gods.
- Tanar’ri - The most dominant type of demon currently in existence. They were created by the Obyrith, but rose against them and now outnumber them. Tanar’ri are formed from mortals whose souls enter the Abyss.
- Loumara - The youngest demonic subtype. They’re horrific disembodied beings created from the dreams of dead gods within the Abyss.
- Beast - The only subtype lacking real intelligence. Most Beast-type demons act more like animals than intelligent fiends, although they are still demonic in nature.
- The Created - Demonic entities created by demon lords (or other similarly powerful creatures) artificially, rather than through reproduction or transformation of mortal souls.
- Servitors - Demonic entities that were created by a deity (presumably to serve them in some way) but were later abandoned to the Abyss or otherwise destroyed and sent there.

Section 2 of 9:

Tanar’ri-Type Demons

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An Akilith doesn’t have a specific form—it’s just an amorphous green, toxic mass that corrupts and corrodes anything it touches. And because of that, even other demons find Akiliths disgusting! Demon lords can use Akiliths to corrupt reality, placing them on doorways or windows to create a portal to the Abyss.
A Balor is a large, imposing demon—usually around 12 ft (3.7 m) tall and surrounded by an aura of flame and darkness. Balors often serve as generals in demonic armies, commanding hordes of smaller demons both in the Abyss and beyond—from the Nine Hells to the mortal plane, always working to fulfill the demonic desire for chaos and death.^{[2]
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Barlgura are large, ape-like demons that resemble gorillas (or orangutans) with orange-red fur. Like real apes, they have a tribal mentality—but, as with all demons, they’re much more savage and bloodthirsty than the animal they resemble. They fight in packs to take down their foes, and often act as brutish skirmishers in demonic armies.
Bulezau are demons quite simply designed for war; they’re feral and mindless creatures with goat-like heads, created to be the toughest of the tanar’ri front-line soldiers fighting in the Blood War (the endless conflict between devils and demons). They’re bestial, with a rotting, necrotic aura that can damage foes.
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Cambion (CR 5) Cambion are demon-humanoid hybrids, born from the union of a fiend and a mortal (typically a human, but, in theory, the mortal parent can be any humanoid). The demonic parent is also typically a succubus or incubus—but, again, any demon could theoretically sire a Cambion child. Regardless of their hybrid status, Cambion are full fiends, and have the demonic traits of their sires.
- Cambions actually don’t have to be part-demon; they can be sired by any type of fiend, including devils.
Cerebrilith are demons possessing both immense strength and psionic powers. They have huge, hunchbacked bodies with gnarled limbs and claws, and malformed heads with black, beady eyes—very grotesque. They enjoy toying with intelligent beings, extracting their brains and examining them to learn more about mortals’ mental powers. A strong Cerebrilith can even exert control over entire mortal communities.^{[3]
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Also called “fly demons,” Chasme are human-fly hybrid demons that suck the blood of their victims. They tend to act as servants of greater demons; they can be grunts on the battlefield as well as interrogators or torturers, and they’re even used to capture runaways fleeing the Blood War.^{[4]
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The least-powerful tanar’ri, Dretches are relatively small and very petty—they’re essentially doomed to an existence of disappointment and self-loathing. They spend a lot of time just arguing among themselves or tormenting any creatures weaker than themselves, and they’re only capable of accomplishing the simplest of tasks.
Glabrezu are tanar’ri demons that tempt mortals through their desire for power—and although they’re physically powerful, they actually spend more time on mental manipulation and temptation. Unlike many other types of demons, glabrezu can enact complex schemes (and see them through); they have plenty of guile and cunning with which to target weak-willed mortals.
Goristro are tanar’ri demons resembling minotaurs; they have the brawn of balors, but they’re nowhere near as intelligent. Instead, goristro are simple-minded, cruel, and prone to going on mindless rampages. They also tend to hoard items—although because they aren’t very intelligent, their hoard can include anything from valuable treasure to sparkly but worthless baubles.
Hezrou are monstrous, toad-like creatures with humanoid bodies. They’re fairly simple-minded, but still capable of directing lesser demons (usually at the behest of some powerful demon they themselves serve). And although hezrous are known for their love of fighting, they are still capable of diplomacy—usually when interested in trading.^{[5]
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Mariliths are demons with snake-like lower bodies and feminine humanoid upper bodies (and heads); they have six arms, and typically wield blades in each hand during battle. Yet they aren’t just fighters—they’re also tacticians and advisors, and can even become demonic queens in their own right. Domineering and vicious, Mariliths are anything but unintelligent; they’re among the most shrewd of demonkind.^{[6]
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Maurezhi are demons that look (and act) much like undead ghouls—but unlike ghouls, when a Maurezhi devours dead flesh, it can also absorb the victim’s memories and life experiences. And for that reason, Maurezhi tend to haunt graveyards and tombs. They often try to escape to the Material Plane to devour corpses before returning to the Abyss (although few actually manage it successfully).
Molydeus are massive demons resembling two-legged, wolf-like creatures with a secondary serpent head—and they’re even more challenging to defeat than balors. Fittingly, they tend to act as enforcers in the Abyss; their snake heads link directly to the demon lord they serve, allowing the lord to easily communicate its wishes. Molydeus might just be the most feared demons in the Abyss (except for demon lords, of course)!^{[7]
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Nabassu are known as “death stalkers,” demons with a special connection to undeath—and, interestingly, the only type of demon required to live on another plane (other than the Abyss) for a portion of its life. Nabassu are considered abhorrent even by other demons because of the way they devour souls, and are only allowed to live in the Abyss after reaching maturity and stealing enough mortal life force to travel there.
Nalfeshnee are huge demons known for their sloth and gluttony. They often rule lesser demons in the abyss as nobility of sorts, taking over “fiefdoms” within a particular layer. And despite their boorish, pig-like appearance, they’re extremely intelligent. Nalfeshnee tend to treat anything they encounter as one of three things: something worth eating, something worth using, and something worth serving them.^{[8]
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Although not quite as weak as Dretches, Rutterkin are still among the weakest tanar’ri. They’re small, mutated demons that live in a state of chaos, with no masters or even any particular goals of their own. They simply live to destroy anything weaker with brute force—ferocity is the only real language they speak.
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Succubus (CR 4) The lore on succubi has changed over the years (and editions). They were originally demons, but then shifted and were known as devils; currently, they’re technically neither—they’re simply known as Fiends, and can be found in the Abyss, the Nine Hells, and all other Lower Planes. Regardless, succubi (or incubi, in male form) are dazzlingly beautiful entities that tempt mortal souls to evil using lust.
- Succubi can claim souls through their kiss, which is deadly to mortals.
Vrocks are demons of greed and selfishness; they crave mortal flesh and ruin in equal measure. Resembling large, deformed vultures, other demons generally consider Vrocks to be untrustworthy due to their greed—and it’s a fair assessment, as Vrocks can turn on anyone at the drop of a hat, even their own kind. And while not very smart, Vrocks have keen eyes and will laser focus on their targets.^{[9]
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Wastriliths are the Abyss’s “water lords.” They live in aquatic environments, corrupting any water sources they touch—and corrupted waters in mortal realms are liable to become portals to the Abyss before long. They resemble a cross between a fish and a water salamander, and tend to act like large bullies toward other fiends in the area.

Section 3 of 9:

Obyrith-Type Demons

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Draudnu are the “Children of Pale Night,” created by the Mother of Demons herself. And their purpose is simple: their creator charged them with eradicating all non-obyrith life in existence. However, that means the alien-looking Draudnu are quite rare—their animosity toward other demons caused them to be hunted nearly to extinction.
Ekolid are insect-like demons known to swarm together, serving Obox-ob (the obyrith Prince of Vermin). And while many other demons consider them to be little more than vermin, Ekolids in turn view all other life forms (including other demons) as potential hosts in which to incubate their eggs. Although intelligent, Ekolids also have a primal drive to reproduce—hence why they’re always on the lookout for a new host.
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Golothoma (Unknown CR) The worm-like Golothoma is a tunneling demon that lives in the demon lord Ugudenk’s realm. They have a compulsive need to eat, even though they lack a mouth, which means they’re always on the hunt for more food—and ready to consume whatever crosses their path. They have a telepathic intelligence that allows them to communicate, but they’re far hungrier than they are willing to engage in a conversation.
- The Golothoma’s CR is unknown because they were only mentioned in a previous edition of D&D (4e).
Vaguely resembling octopi, Laghathti still have a distinctly alien look to them; they have twelve long tentacles, five of which are covered in hundreds of tiny mouths. And as scary-looking as they are, Laghathti aren’t known for their intelligence. They’re smarter than an actual octopus, but barely capable of rational thought or communication. When devouring a victim, Laghathi can also consume memories—and take special pleasure in the most miserable ones.
Sibriexes are massive, fleshy demons created from grafting Abyssal matter onto their bodies, using it to manipulate their flesh. As a result, Sibriexes are vile and misshapen creatures with huge heads and writhing stalks, puckers, and feeding tubes in place of necks. Despite their completely alien appearance, Sibriexes are intelligent and driven by their love of destroying and dominating all life.
Uzollru are colossal arthropodal demons—essentially leviathans—native to the Shadowsea, an Abyssal realm belonging to the demon lord Dagon. They look like aquatic centipedes with sea anemone heads, and they don’t have a ton of intelligence; they’re mainly driven to consume food, although their cravings are the result of insatiable hatred (rather than insatiable hunger).
Verakias are primeval demons resembling gargantuan dinosaurs (more specifically, tyrannosauruses). In fact, they’re so brutal that Demogorgon himself saw some of his savagery reflected in the Verakia! They’re a simple-minded species, and mainly enjoy sadistically terrorizing their prey (before destroying it, of course).^{[10]
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Section 4 of 9:

Loumara-Type Demons

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Caligrosto are disembodied spirits from the Abyss that are born from the nightmares of gods of craftsmanship—and as such, they seek to control or inhabit weapons. The weapon serves as the Caligrosto’s host (without which the demon is totally formless), while the Caligrosto imbues its weapon with more power…and feeds its bloodlust.^{[11]
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Dybbuk are demonic spirits that inhabit and possess mortal corpses, acting like violent parasites—and using their corpse hosts to engage in their vices or commit depraved acts. Although drawn to cemeteries and battle sites, Dybbuk will also kill to steal a mortal’s form. They’re believed to be born from the nightmares of gods of love and art.
Guecubu don’t possess objects or corpses—they’re demonic spirits that possess living creatures, driving them to insanity. They have a compulsion to kill, and thus drive their hosts to carry out such brutal acts; they also tend to be opportunistic and take up residence in rural areas (where there’s a smaller chance of being discovered and exorcised).
Manitou are the final type of loumara, and these demonic spirits possess natural creatures (as well as fey beings). They particularly enjoy possessing dryads, using them to spread death and decay in the wilds that said dryads normally protect. Manitou have a single-minded desire to corrupt the environment, and they’re born from the corrupted echoes of gods of fertility and nature.

Section 5 of 9:

Beast, Created & Servitor-Type Demons

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Beast demons As we’ve discussed above, beasts are the only truly unintelligent demons. Their intellect resembles that of an animal, even if they’re still creatures born from the Abyss. That means they tend to act more like animals than demons, too—but make no mistake: they can still be super dangerous! Beast-type demons include:
- Abyssal chicken (CR ¼) - Two-legged chicken-like creatures with no feathers and leathery wings. They’re small, but vicious—and sometimes hunted for food (because they taste like chicken).
- Kazrith (Unknown CR) - An aquatic demon that often swims in groups, using tremorsense to detect prey. It can poison victims and use acid to burrow through tunnels.
- Maw demon (CR 1) - It’s all in the name—the maw demon is basically a giant, fang-toothed mouth, always hungry for flesh.
- Nashrou (CR 2) - A beast that travels in packs (like wolves), hunting for prey to satisfy its need for blood. It has 10 limbs and resembles a giant, nightmarish bug of sorts.
- Skulvyn (CR 4) - An aquatic demon with an aura capable of magically slowing its prey. It resembles a lizard with a snake-like head and bulging eyes.
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The Created demons Created demons aren’t born—they’re formed, or even engineered. Demon lords, night hags, and even some powerful mortals (like drow archmages or high priestesses of Lolth) are capable of making Created demons…but some Created actually form spontaneously, possibly from the will of the Abyss itself. Created demons include:
- Babau (CR 4) - Demons created from Graz’zt’s body (a demon lord) when he was wounded in battle by Glasya (an archdevil). They have skeletal, one-horned bodies, and they’re cunning, deceptive, and sadistic.
- Blood fiend (CR 14) - Abominations created by an ancient primordial, Haemnathuun. They’re driven by a thirst for blood, and feed on other demons.
- Bonegouge assassin (Unknown CR) - Demonic assassins said to be created by Orcus, the lord of undeath. They’re skeletal fiends that devote themselves fully to each task they’re given, using claws to assassinate their targets.
- Ferrolith (Unknown CR) - Grotesque demons that look like succubi, but lack their beauty. They emerge fully-formed from pools of molten iron, and have natural cunning.
- Ghazneth (Unknown CR) - There are seven ghazneths—each created from mortal Cormyrean royalty who betrayed their nation. They’re winged demons with a talent for magic, and have unique powers tied to their mortal sins.
- Ghour (CR 12) - Demons created by Baphomet (who has a Tower of Science in which to experiment). They’re minotaur-like monsters that act as Baphomet’s ambassadors on the mortal plane.
- Haures (Unknown CR) - Haures are strange, quasi-undead demons with the upper body of a goristro and the lower body of a spider. They were originally created by Orcus.
- Quasit (CR 1) - Small, imp-like demons that are physically weak but fast and capable of tempting mortals into acts of depravity.
- Shoosuva (CR 8) - Hyena-like demons often given to the strongest gnolls as gifts from Yeenoghu (the demonic lord of gnolls). They have a powerful paralytic stinger on their tails.
- Tomb demon (Unknown CR) - Demons that manifest from the Abyss’ power over mass graves (originating from a battle between Orcus and Sylbarax, an exarch of the deity Zehir). They’re snake-like demons that can constrict or bite their opponents.
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Servitor demons Servitors are demons that were once something else (specifically, creatures created by one of the gods), but have since been abandoned in the Abyss. Alternatively, said creatures might become Servitors upon dying and being drawn to the Abyss. Servitor demons are rarer than other types, but can still be quite fearsome. They include:
- Deathdrinker (CR 18) - Demons that spawn from pits of blood and gore in the Abyss. They’re driven by their love of carnage and slaughter, collecting the souls of their victims.
- Yochlol (CR 10) - Demons known as the “Handmaidens of Lolth,” made to serve the goddess Lolth. They can take different forms, and the goddess sometimes uses them to infiltrate drow society.
- Zovvut (CR 9) - Mysterious demons thought to be controlled by Orcus, or perhaps created by Tharizdun (the Chained God). They may also be corrupted angels. Regardless, they’re humanoid devils with talons, wings, and three red eyes.
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Uncategorized demons Finally, we have uncategorized demons—because quite a few of them simply don’t belong to any of the above subtypes! They aren’t tanar’ri, obyrith, or anything else…they’re just demons. And it makes sense: the Abyss is a plane of chaos, so naturally, not all of its denizens should fit into an organized system of species. Uncategorized demons include:
- Abyssal drake (CR 9) - Fiendish dragons resembling wyverns. They live in the Abyss, with dark red, demonic scales and bat-like wings.
- Bebilith (CR 10) - Demons known as “barbed horrors” or “creepers”; they’re spider-like demons that prey on tanar’ri, or any other demon they come across. They’re intelligent, but choose not to communicate with others.
- Demon spawn (Unknown CR) - Demons created from dark rituals (usually the work of a hag, or similarly malevolent creature). They’re contemptuous and often ally with demonic cults.
- Immolith (Unknown CR) - Undead entities risen from the spirits of dead demons. Once killed, their demonic spirits fuse and return to the Abyss, renewed with burning hatred.
- Jarrlak (Unknown CR) - An intelligent and sadistic type of demon that tends to control areas with icy or cold climates. They freeze enemies in ice before destroying them.
- Mahataa (Unknown CR) - Independent demons that may once have been elementals. They’re willing to serve most demon lords, although the majority of them seem to serve Tharizdun.
- Rageborn (Unknown CR) - Demons that serve Kostchtchie, the demonic lord of frost giants. They’re large, brutish creatures that embody raw fury and hunger.
- Shadow demon (CR 4) - Demons (also called “shadow fiends”) made from a demon whose essence can’t properly remake itself in the Abyss; as a result, they exist as shadows of their old selves.
- Voracalith (Unknown CR) - Demons known for their simple-minded gluttony and hunger. They eat everything that crosses their path; demon lords sometimes lure them into battle using fresh meat.
- Whisper demon (CR 9) - Malevolent and unstable demons that are weightless and incorporeal. They’re capable of telepathy, and use it to goad other creatures into insanity or even taking their own lives.

Section 6 of 9:

Demon Lords in D&D 5e

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Demogorgon: Prince of Demons The moniker “Prince of Demons” belongs to Demogorgon due to nothing more than his incredible power; he was the first-ever tanari’ri to exist, made from the primal fears of the earliest mortals. As an embodiment of domination, madness, and destruction, even just Demogorgon’s presence is capable of creating fear and paranoia in mortals (as he himself is constantly paranoid).
- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: The Gaping Maw
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Orcus One of Demogorgon’s most frequent challengers, Orcus is the (self-proclaimed) Prince of the Undead. He’s known for treating the dead as tools used to annihilate the living, with his ultimate vision being a dark, empty universe devoid of all light and life. Although not as powerful as Demogorgon, Orcus has one of the largest and strongest cults among mortals—a patron to those who seek to become undead themselves.
- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: Thanatos
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Graz’zt Another popular contender for Demogorgon’s power is Graz’zt, the “Dark Prince” (or the Prince of Pleasure). He’s the demon lord of pain, desire, and hedonism. Although he has one of the most humanoid and conventionally desirable forms among demon lords, he uses this appearance—and his powers, of course—to charm and dominate mortals; he’s capable of inciting their deepest and most uncontrollable desires.^{[12]
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- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: Azzatar
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Baphomet Baphomet is a minotaur-like demon lord covered in black fur (and, as such, commonly worshipped among minotaurs). Known as the Prince of Beasts or the Horned King, Baphomet exists as an emblem of savagery and brutality—and he’s very capable of bringing out that brutality in mortals as well.^{[13]
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- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: The Endless Maze
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Dagon Dagon, the Prince of the Depths, is a primeval sea-dwelling leviathan—and absolutely enormous, even by demonic standards. However, Dagon is one of the more reclusive and isolated demon lords; he keeps to the Shadowsea, at times advising Demogorgon or acting as an oracle for Tanar’ri kind.^{[14]
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- Subtype: Obyrith
- Abyssal layer: The Shadowsea
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Dwiergus Dwiergus, the Chrysalis Prince, is an ancient, formless demon whose writhing flesh constantly takes shape, liquefies, and changes again. As a demon lord with dominion over shaping the other demonic races, Dwiergus actually served as Baphomet’s tutor once upon a time!
- Subtype: Obyrith
- Abyssal layer: The Flesh Forges
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Fraz-Urb’luu Fraz-Urb’luu is a demon lord known as the “Prince of Deception” (or the Prince of Lies). He’s cunning and manipulative, able to deceive enemies or talk mortals into helping him enact his schemes. In terms of appearance, Fraz-Urb’luu resembles a massive gargoyle-like creature with blue hair and pointed ears.
- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: Hollow’s Heart
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Jubilex Jubilex is the “Faceless Lord”—a demonic ooze and patron of all oozes and shapeless creatures. He’s considered revolting even among other demons, an embodiment of the Abyss’s corruption and its ability to defile others. His fellow demonic lords know him as the “Lord of Nothing.”
- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: Shedaklah
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Obox-Ob Obox-Ob was supposedly the original Prince of Demons, and the first obyrith to rise from the Abyss’ primordial matter. Of course, Demogorgon eventually robbed him of the title—but he remains, albeit deposed, as a patron of poison with the title “Prince of Vermin.” Currently, he has retreated deep within his abyssal realm.
- Subtype: Obyrith
- Abyssal layer: Zionyn
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Pale Night Pale Night is known as the “Mother of Demons”; she’s a being said to be so terrible and unknowable that reality itself tried to hide her away. Pale Night is the embodiment of insanity and dreadful births, which is why many denizens of the Abyss recognize her as a maternal figure of sorts; she’s capable of spawning untold horrors and unleashing them upon the world.
- Subtype: Obyrith
- Abyssal layer: N/A
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Pazuzu Pazuzu is the demonic Prince of the Lower Aerial Kingdoms, claiming dominion over all Abyssal skies (and, thankfully, most demon lords didn’t care enough to fight him over this claim). Although originally an Obyrith, Pazuzu is currently more of an intermediary between Obyrith and Tanar’ri, connected to both races. It’s believed that calling his name three times will enable him to appear and offer “aid” (when, in fact, he’s really offering demonic corruption).
- Subtype: Obyrith
- Abyssal layer: Abyssal skies
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Yeenoghu The hyena-like Beast of Butchery and Prince of Gnolls (savage hyena monsters), Yeenoghu’s primary goal is to lead his people into dominating the entire world—and then seeing all life, including that of the gnolls, become extinct. He craves mindless violence above all else and takes great pleasure in despair, destruction, and massacring mortals.^{[15]
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- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: The Death Dells
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Zuggtmoy Zuggtmoy is the Lady of Fungi (or the Lady of Rot); she’s an alien, mushroom-like entity with dominion over fungi and mold. Although inhuman, she imitates the ways of mortals before infecting and ultimately consuming them entirely with her spores; her ultimate desire is to spread decay and death throughout the cosmos.^{[16]
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- Subtype: Tanar’ri
- Abyssal layer: Shedaklah
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The Queen of Chaos The Queen of Chaos is so ancient and terrible that her name was stricken from the annals of history. Her claim to fame? Once upon a time, she led the Obyriths to war against the rest of reality (particularly targeting all forces of law in the multiverse, as demons are creatures of chaos). She was eventually defeated, retreating deep into her realm—and still has yet to emerge.
- Subtype: Obyrith
- Abyssal layer: The Steaming Fen
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Ugudenk Ugudenk’s moniker is “The Squirming King,” and it’s a fitting one, considering his form is that of a giant, worm-like entity. Although he inhabits a realm in the Abyss, it’s been speculated that Ugudenk himself is an Abyssal layer, with his massive maw acting as a tendril that could reach out across the planes. He’s the embodiment of all things that burrow, and invokes the fear that he could burst from the ground to devour all within sight.
- Subtype: Obyrith
- Abyssal layer: The Writhing Realm

Section 7 of 9:

Demonic Traits & Behavior

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Demons have an innate and primal need to destroy. As we’ve already mentioned, they fall right at the intersection between chaos and evil: that makes demons beings of pure malevolence, lacking any compassion or benevolence. Moreover, they hate order in any form, and seek to spread strife and chaos in its place. They’re always looking for ways to escape the Abyss and wreak their special brand of destruction on the rest of the multiverse!^{[17]
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- Demons are also known for being super self-centered, focused on satisfying their own whims above all else. And because their whims call for death and destruction, that’s what they do.
- The Abyss is partially responsible for demons’ behavior, as it is partially sentient and capable of communing with demonkind, whispering into their minds and, in a way, tempting them into following their own appetite for destruction.
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Demons are often depicted as savage but clever. Yes, demons are beings of rage and chaos—but that doesn’t mean they can’t think. Most tend to act on instinct rather than forethought (as carefully laid plans are a little too organized for their tastes), but some are capable of hatching plots and putting them into action. And some demons are actually quite smart, capable of manipulating others—though many lack subtlety or restraint.
- Basically, although demons have some overarching traits and desires in common, they don’t all act the same. Some are more brutish, while others are smarter and more socially aware.

Section 8 of 9:

What’s the difference between demons and devils in D&D?

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Devils are lawful evil beings, while demons are chaotic evil. That’s the major difference in a nutshell: both species are classified as Fiends, and both are evil—but where demons embody entropy and chaos, devils carefully abide by their own laws and form complex contracts with mortals to obtain their souls. To that end, devils live on a different plane (the Nine Hells) and are eternally at war with the demons of the Abyss in a feud known as the Blood War.^{[18]
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- Devil society is built upon a strict hierarchy, and devils can climb that hierarchy to rise above one another.
- There are lemures (little more than formless blobs), lesser devils (consisting of imps, bearded devils, and spine devils), and greater devils (erinyes, pit fiends, and such). Then, archdevils rule each layer of Hell, and Asmodeus rules all of devilkind.
- Conversely, demon society has a very loose hierarchy. They’re fully capable of plotting against one another, but are driven to acts of enraged destruction more so than complicated schemes.

Section 9 of 9:

How to Use Demons in D&D 5e

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Demons can be used as terrifying villains in a campaign (or one-shot). Now that you’ve learned all about demons and their malevolent overlords, it’s time to think about how to put that knowledge to work. Demons make great enemies—whether they’ve been summoned to serve mortal masters or they’re hatching their own evil schemes. Consider the following ideas for using demons in D&D campaigns:
- Offer temptations - Demons tempt mortals to commit evil deeds, right? Use that knowledge to have a demon (or multiple demons) tempt your players toward evil. Or, the “bad guy” in your adventure could be someone already tempted and influenced by a devil!
- Become a patron - Demons can become patrons—to warlocks, or to any character, really. Just have the demon in question promise power in exchange for a favor…and let the chaos ensue.
- Traverse a dungeon - Perhaps a demon could take up residence in a dungeon that the party has to clear out! And it doesn’t have to be a dungeon, specifically—it could be a castle, or a crypt…any kind of building or compound. The party might need to defeat the demon, or seal it away to stop it from harming anyone else.
- Start an invasion - It’s well-established that demons want to conquer the mortal plane, and you can run a campaign in which they finally make their move! Have demons invade the world, pouring out through a portal that won’t close (or perhaps appearing after being summoned by their cults). After that, it’ll be up to the players to prevent (or end) the invasion.
- Descend into the Abyss - On the other hand, you could always have the party visit the demons’ home turf. Pick a layer of the Abyss to send them to, or plan a multi-layered adventure. The players might need to rescue someone, or permanently destroy a particular demon.
- Use a demonic BBEG - Every campaign needs a BBEG (“big bad evil guy”) to defeat before the end, and one of the demon lords outlined above would make a perfect contender. Maybe the party has to foil the plans of Demogorgon (a possibility explored in 5e’s Out of the Abyss) or Graz’zt, or Orcus!